THE FELLING of mature trees has come under fire from a woman who has enjoyed looking out at them for years.

Irene Speirs, of Rushpool Close, Redcar, was devastated when several trees near her home were felled to make way for new houses.

But Redcar and Cleveland Council say the land is owned by developer Persimmon, and the trees don’t have preservation orders on them.

Mrs Speirs said: “I’ve lived in this area for 40 years and, when I was a kid, all this around here was woodland. Now these are the only trees left.

“All they want is to live in a concrete jungle.

“I’m disgusted. How can they destroy mature trees without batting an eyelid? The only trees you’ll get now are up Kirkleatham Lane.”

Up to 50 trees stand in the area near Low Farm Drive, the old Roseberry Square, Roseberry Road and Rushpool Close, where Mrs Speirs lives.

Redcar and Cleveland Cabinet member for economic development, Councillor Mark Hannon, who is also the area’s ward councillor, sympathised but explained: “Because the land is no longer in council ownership, we are not in a position to stop the felling of the trees.

“Through the local Area Committee, we have invested in new young trees along Low Farm Drive and we will continue to do that in the future and are happy to respond to any community requests on more planting.”

The Courts redevelopment got planning permission in 2005 and the land was sold by the council to Persimmon Homes.

Cllr Hannon added: “The trees did not have a Tree Protection Order and were not in a conservation area, which means we cannot stop their removal.”